Writing/Social Studies:  We will continue to work on our biography research in class this week.  We are finding out all sorts of interesting facts about our famous people!  Our goal is to start writing our reports the following week.

Math:  It just got real...we are now doing double-digit subtraction from a double-digit with regrouping!  We will be camping out here for a bit.  This is a big concept for 2nd graders and so we will be sure to practice a lot!

ST Math:  Our online math program has really captured the students' attention.  They love it!  Our goal is to get everyone past the 50% completion mark soon.  Remember, this is a program that can be done at home for homework.  They get rewarded at the morning assembly for hitting 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%.  

Science:  This week we will talk about what we learned from our science challenges (ramps and boats).  We will apply what we know and brainstorm essential questions that will help us come up with an explanation of what we learned.  

I'm trying to mix things up a bit this week for homework.  Remember that each student is encouraged to earn at least 2 stars each night, one of which comes from reading.  This week's homework packet has many options for writing, reading and spelling. Here's what you will find...

Writing:  In class we have been learning about nouns, verbs, adjectives, pronouns and other parts of speech.  You will find a parts of speech worksheet in the homework packet for a writing option if you choose.  You can encourage tidy handwriting and correct spelling.  Also, if your kiddo is into writing creative stories, there is a writing prompt in the packet as well.  

Math:  This week I included some practice worksheets for math practice.  Ask them to show you how to regroup and blow up a 10s stick into 10 ones.  And, as mentioned above, ST Math is a great option as well!

Spelling:  Options for spelling:  Spelling City, Tic Tac Toe or your own practice!

Reading:  Like last week, you will find 2 stories for your student to read and respond to instructions and questions.  Again, this is just an optional activity for the reading activities.

Writing:  Included in the HW packet is an opinion writing prompt.  There is a graphic organizer and a "final copy" page.  Each piece counts for a star on the Homework Menu.

Reading:  This week I included 2 reading passages that can be used for the reading option to mix things up a bit.  I like these because they ask the student to re-read, hi-light and answer comprehension questions.  Of course, you can always read any book for 20 minutes.

Math:  The students are doing great at ST Math in the class.  I just wanted to remind you that this is an excellent option for math homework.  I have opened up new levels so if they weren't able to play before, they might be able to now.  ST Math can be done on a computer or a tablet with the ST Math App.  

Math:  We are continuing to work on double-digit subtraction with regrouping.  We are blowing up ten sticks!  See if your student can explain what that means.

Writing/Social Studies:  We will be starting to research our famous people in class.  Each student has a "Scribble Note" packet that they will take notes in.  Eventually we will be taking those notes and developing informational paragraphs for our final "Scrapbook" project.  All the research will be done in class.  Check in with your student and ask them if they have learned any interesting facts abou their famous person.

Science:  Last Friday we spent half of our day tackling a science challege:  Make a boat with the given materials that will float and support the load of 10 marbles.  It was so interesting to watch them work together to design, create and test.  We will have another challenge this Friday.   

February 9, 2017:  Dinosaur show at Laxon.  Thank you for turning in your permission slips and money.  If you haven't please have permission slips and/or money turned in this week.  We are still are looking for drivers.  We will be leaving the school at 9:15 and will return around 2:00.  

February 21, 2017:  History night:  2nd Grade Biographies and video will be on display!